Dalmia Cement factory officials get bail

28 June 2005

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has granted bail to the four officials arrested in connection with the collapse of the ’belt conveyor gallery’ at Dalmia Cement factory at Dalmiapuram, near Tiruchi, which claimed 13 lives on May 28. Granting the bail yesterday, Justice S R Singaravelu directed the four to appear before the investigation officer whenever required. The judge also granted anticipatory bail to three other officials of the cement company with the direction that they cooperate in the investigation.

Quoting the technical report, submitted by the prosecution, the judge said the accident had happened due to cumulative effect and what exactly was the reason for the accident was yet to be ascertained. In the circumstances, the negligence of the officials had not been made out. "It appeared to be a freak accident which petitioners did not expect," he added.

The technical report also said that the RCC structure had been constructed as per specification by a reputed company and what caused the accident was a mystery. Till the reason was established, there was no prima facie case against those charged by the prosecution.